Thanksgiving dinner with a primitive

conservativecave.com ^ | November 27, 2009 | franksolich

[franksolich]

Maybe I'm missing something but if the writer of this post is deaf, how is it that he can remember the conversation around the dinner table so vividly?

Body language, reading lips, and somesuch, sir.

Actually in real life, it's pretty pathetic. I was there for three hours, and a lot was said, but those few points were the only things I could grasp.

I'm always kicking myself for the 90% that I do miss.

[SamAdams76]

OK, just curious. I’m hearing impaired in that when there is background noise (like loud music), it is almost impossible for me to keep involved in a conversation. So I can relate in part to the frustration of missing most of what is being said around me.

[yellowhorse]

Just think.....you now have a whole year to look forward to seeing Aunt Sunshine again. What a miserable life she must lead.

[franksolich]

OK, just curious. I’m hearing impaired in that when there is background noise (like loud music), it is almost impossible for me to keep involved in a conversation. So I can relate in part to the frustration of missing most of what is being said around me.

"Background noise" is no problem for me, because I can't hear it. I can understand however, where it might be a problem for those with some, but feeble, hearing, all these indistinct sounds, leaving one wondering which is important or relevant, and which isn't.

In my case, things such as light, color, movement, are "noise," but of course I was in a house where I know intimately what's there, and where it's at, no strange "noises."

In real life, my deep penetrating concentration on another person makes those strangers to me, uncomfortable. Those who know me are on the other hand flattered, that I'm giving so much trouble and energy trying to understand them.